Chief of Staff to the First Minister
| Scotland Chief of Staff to the First Minister | |
|---|---|
| Scottish Gaelic: Ceannard an Luchd-obrach don Phrìomh Mhinistear | |
Logo of the Scottish Government | |
Incumbent since 2021Colin McAllister | |
| Office of the First Minister | |
| Abbreviation | COF |
| Member of | Scottish Government |
| Reports to | First Minister |
| Seat | St Andrew's House, 2 Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG |
| Appointer | First Minister |
| Term length | At the First Minister's pleasure |
| Inaugural holder | John Rafferty |
| Formation | 1999 |
| Salary | £101,088–£107,149 (est, 2023) |
The Chief of Staff to the First Minister (Scottish Gaelic: Ceannard an Luchd-obrach don Phrìomh Mhinistear) is the principal special adviser to the first minister of Scotland. As chief of staff, the incumbent office holder has access to all portfolio areas within the Scottish Government, and is supported by a number of special advisors such as the Head of Communications and Strategic Political Adviser, Head of Policy and Strategic Political Adviser, Senior Special Adviser and the Senior Constitution Special Adviser.
The post holder of the office is based at St Andrew's House, the headquarters of the Scottish Government in Edinburgh. The incumbent Chief of Staff to the First Minister is Colin McAllister.